Fairlands Valley Challenge Multi-Terrain Marathon (Now Incorporating UK Trail Running Championships)  Here's how RW members rated this race (110 votes). 2009 race reviewed by: Mr Guy
 | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 20% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Great Race
In full: There is are so many good things to say about this race I don't know where to start. If you fancy something different do it and you will find out for yourself.
Date of review: July 26, 2009
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2009 race reviewed by: Paula Reynolds
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: a great route and excellent company
In full: a great race for a first timer, like me. Enjoyed the route just make sure you stick to a local who roughly knows the way, easy to get lost but thats all in the fun
Date of review: July 24, 2009
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2009 race reviewed by: Paul Heskin
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Great fun, would do again
In full: Really enjoyable day out for runners and walkers alike. There would be no way a personal best could be achieved because after 5 miles runners need to check their maps frequently to make sure they are going the right way. This though, made everyone relax and enjoy the run and the views. Will sign up again next year and thanks for the free burger and tea!
Date of review: July 22, 2009
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2009 race reviewed by: stewball
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Ran the 12 mile option, stepping up from 10ks for the first time. Enjoyed the challenge of following instructions. A very friendly, well-run event that I'd definitely do again (perhaps the 18 miles next time!)
Date of review: July 22, 2009
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2009 race reviewed by: grecian 2000
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Instruction reading rather than clock-watching.
In full: If you enjoy the great outdoors, and the extra spice of following detailed and well-written route instructions rather than a marked route - then this event is for you.
Although on Stevenage's doorstep, a surprisingly rural route - mainly on footpaths, bridleways and across fields, with minimal road.
My navigation skills are patchy (that's being kind), but I really enjoyed the additional challenge of following the written instructions - you did have to concentrate on the details and avoid the temptation of simply following runners in front - with the choice of 12 / 18/ 26.2 miles, this allowed a good number of runners and walkers to test themselves, and I would say ideal for beginners as well as the seasoned competitor.
The checkpoints were staffed with friendly helpers and well-stocked with drinks, biscuits, sweets, and the famed bread pudding. The post-race barbeque was going strong and treated the runners with great grub as part of the entry fee.
Medal and certificate made this event brilliant value. I'll be back next year.
Thanks to FVS and everyone else involved.
Date of review: July 20, 2009
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2009 race reviewed by: a.k.a "billy"
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Friendly marathon across the rural Hetrfordshire countryside.
In full: Had a lot of fun at this event due in no small part down to the way the event is organised and secondly all the friendly runners who help each other round.
The route is very scenic in places and is not too taxing with only a few small hills.
All the well stocked checkpoints were marshalled very well by happy volunteers as was the race HQ. My thanks to all at FVS
Date of review: July 20, 2009
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2009 race reviewed by: galeforce
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: if you want to have fun, this is the race.
In full: this was my first time to do this challenage, and i choose to the marathon. it was greatly organized with the marshells around the route and the check points were you get a nice cold drings and bread pudding. this is a run that you really can enjoy yourself and have a laugh with the other runners trying to find our way around the beautiful country side, great fun. roll on next year i will be back.
patrick gallagher
Date of review: July 20, 2009
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2009 race reviewed by: Southdownsman
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Lovely, mainly flat trail run. However it's important to follow the instructions rather than follow other runners, otherwise you could do an extra 4 miles like me!
Date of review: July 20, 2009
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2009 race reviewed by: Nick Butcher
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In full: Another superb running of the Fairlands Valley Challenge! If you're looking for a great trail marathon, this is it.
Friendly marshals at every checkpoint, plenty of squash and bread pudding, loads of runners to chat to on the course, lovely course, easy to follow directions and a BBQ at the end. Even the downpour at 23 miles didn't spoil it!
Date of review: July 19, 2009
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2009 race reviewed by: Carolyn Moss 2
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Really good one for first-timers!
In full: Being my first I didn't know to expect but really enjoyable. Friendly and welcoming, well organised. Bit daunting given detailed instructions and shown the start but once I'd joined others who know the route... no problem. Check points a welcome break. Scenery beautiful, truly xcountry. Weather cool and heavy rain at the end which was really pleasant. A fun run, I'd recommend it to everyone. (remember it can't be a pb!)
Date of review: July 19, 2009
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